The Complete Camp Safety Checklist Before You Sign Up

Before enrolling your child in any summer camp, use this checklist to evaluate the program’s safety. Print it out, bring it to camp visits, and use it during phone calls with camp directors.

No camp will score perfectly on every item. But the more boxes you can check, the more confident you can be in your decision.

Licensing and Accreditation

• Is the camp licensed by Missouri DHSS (for residential camps)?
• Can they provide their license number for verification?
• Is the camp ACA (American Camp Association) accredited?
• If not ACA accredited, what safety standards do they voluntarily follow?
• Have you verified the license status independently? (Camp Lookup Tool)
• Have you checked for any DHSS violations on record?

Staff and Supervision

• Does the camp conduct criminal background checks on ALL staff (including seasonal and volunteers)?
• Are background checks FBI fingerprint-based (not just name-based)?
• Are sex offender registry checks conducted in all relevant states?
• Are background checks performed annually, not just at initial hire?
• What is the staff-to-camper ratio? (ACA recommends: 1:5 for ages 4-5, 1:6 for ages 6-8, 1:8 for ages 9-14, 1:10 for ages 15-17)
• How are counselors selected and trained?
• How many senior staff return from previous seasons?
• Is there a “two-deep leadership” or “rule of three” policy (no adult alone with a child)?
• Are staff trained in the specific activities they supervise (waterfront, ropes course, horseback, etc.)?

Abuse Prevention

• Does the camp have a written child protection policy?
• Have you received a copy of the policy?
• Are all staff trained in abuse prevention? What curriculum is used?
• Are all staff trained as mandatory reporters under Missouri law?
• What is the reporting procedure when a child discloses abuse?
• Is there a clear policy prohibiting one-on-one adult-child situations?
• How does the camp handle allegations — internal review only, or immediate law enforcement notification?

Medical and Health

• Is there a camp nurse or medical professional on-site during all camp hours?
• For overnight camps: Is medical staff on-site 24/7?
• What are the qualifications of the medical staff?
• What hospital is nearest, and how far away is it?
• What is the emergency medical evacuation plan?
• Can the camp administer your child’s medications?
• How does the camp handle allergies (food, insect, environmental)?
• How does the camp handle asthma, diabetes, or other chronic conditions?
• Are all activity staff certified in first aid and CPR?
• Is an AED (automated external defibrillator) on-site?

Water Safety

• Are certified lifeguards on duty during all water activities?
• What lifeguard certification is required (Red Cross, YMCA, etc.)?
• What is the lifeguard-to-swimmer ratio?
• Is there a buddy system or check-in/check-out board?
• Are swim areas clearly marked by skill level?
• Are waterfront rules posted and enforced?
• For boating activities: Are PFDs (life jackets) required?
• Is the waterfront secured when not in supervised use?

Facilities and Environment

• Have you visited the camp in person?
• Are sleeping quarters clean, ventilated, and in good repair?
• Are bathrooms clean and private?
• Is the kitchen clean and food properly stored?
• Is the camp’s water supply safe and tested?
• Are fire extinguishers present and current?
• Are smoke detectors/fire alarms installed and functional?
• Is there an evacuation plan posted in all buildings?
• Are activity areas (archery, ropes, stables) well-maintained and safely designed?
• Is there adequate fencing around pools, lakes, and hazardous areas?

Emergency Preparedness

• Does the camp have a written emergency action plan?
• Does the plan cover: severe weather, fire, missing camper, active threat, medical emergency?
• How does the camp communicate with parents during emergencies?
• What is the severe weather shelter plan?
• When was the last emergency drill conducted?
• Does the camp have backup communication (e.g., satellite phone, radio) in case cell service is unavailable?

Transportation

• How are campers transported to and from activities?
• Are drivers licensed and background-checked?
• Are vehicles properly maintained and insured?
• Are seat belts available and required?
• What is the policy for field trips and off-site activities?

Communication and Transparency

• How will you be contacted if your child is injured or ill?
• Can your child contact you if they need to?
• How does the camp communicate daily activities and any concerns?
• Can you visit the camp during the session?
• Is there a parent orientation or open house?
• Will you receive a written incident report if anything happens?

Contracts and Waivers

• Have you read the entire enrollment agreement?
• Have you read the waiver/release carefully?
• Do you understand what the waiver covers and does not cover?
• Have you taken the documents home to review before signing (not signed on the spot)?
• Does the contract include a clear refund policy?
• Does the contract specify how disputes are handled?

Online and Social Media

• Does the camp have a photo/video policy?
• Have you consented to or declined photo use?
• Does the camp post camper photos on social media? Is opt-out available?
• What is the camp’s policy on campers having personal devices?

How to Use This Checklist

1. Before you start looking: Mark which items are non-negotiable for your family.
2. During research: Use the checklist to compare multiple camps.
3. During the camp visit or call: Bring the checklist and work through it with the camp director.
4. After the visit: Note any items the camp could not or would not answer. Those gaps are data.

This checklist is provided for informational purposes by Rights Watch Media Group LLC. It is not legal advice. Checklist informed by ACA accreditation standards, DHSS licensing requirements, and child safety best practices.